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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Programs

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Sun Prairie WI residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the interior designer program and school that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive assessment of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Sun Prairie Wisconsin employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So besides furnishing an excellent education, the Sun Prairie WI college you select should also furnish the suitable education to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its students are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a large network of Sun Prairie WI business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Sun Prairie WI schools you are looking at and find out what type of assistance they offer. Many of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Sun Prairie WI programs you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Sun Prairie home, visit the school and monitor a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make sure that the interior designer school you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Sun Prairie WI, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.